In the context of biblical study, the term "engrossed" refers to being deeply absorbed or fully occupied with a particular activity, thought, or pursuit. This concept can be seen throughout Scripture, where individuals are often depicted as being engrossed in either righteous or unrighteous pursuits.

Engrossed in Righteousness

The Bible encourages believers to be engrossed in the things of God, dedicating their hearts and minds to His service and commands. In Psalm 1:2, the psalmist describes the blessed man as one whose "delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." This verse illustrates the idea of being engrossed in God's Word, allowing it to permeate one's thoughts and actions continually.

Similarly, in Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to focus their minds on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. This call to be engrossed in virtuous and praiseworthy things aligns with the biblical mandate to live a life that reflects God's holiness and righteousness.

Engrossed in Unrighteousness

Conversely, the Bible also warns against being engrossed in sinful or worldly pursuits. In the parable of the sower, Jesus describes the seed sown among thorns as representing those who hear the word, but "the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful" (Mark 4:19). Here, being engrossed in worldly concerns leads to spiritual barrenness and a lack of fruitfulness in one's life.

The Apostle Paul cautions against being engrossed in the desires of the flesh, which are contrary to the Spirit. In Galatians 5:19-21, he lists the acts of the flesh, warning that those who live in such a manner will not inherit the kingdom of God. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of allowing oneself to be consumed by sinful desires.

Engrossed in Worship and Service

The Bible also presents examples of individuals who were engrossed in worship and service to God. In Luke 10:38-42, the account of Mary and Martha illustrates two different responses to Jesus' presence. While Martha was distracted by her many tasks, Mary sat at Jesus' feet, engrossed in His teaching. Jesus commended Mary for choosing "what is better," highlighting the importance of prioritizing spiritual nourishment over worldly concerns.

In Acts 6:4, the apostles express their commitment to being engrossed in prayer and the ministry of the word, demonstrating the early church's dedication to spiritual disciplines and the proclamation of the gospel.

Conclusion

The concept of being engrossed, whether in righteousness or unrighteousness, is a recurring theme in Scripture. Believers are called to be fully absorbed in the things of God, allowing His Word and Spirit to guide their thoughts and actions. At the same time, they are warned against being consumed by worldly desires and distractions that can lead them away from God's purposes.(imp. & p. p.) of Engross.829. authades -- self-pleasing
... 829 (an adjective, derived from 846 , "self" and , "to gratify self, be indulgent") --
properly, a person who , ie fixed in -pleasure (engrossed in -interest). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/829.htm - 7k

The Origin of Idolatry is Similar. The Soul, Materialised by ...
... Section 8. The origin of idolatry is similar. The soul, materialised by forgetting
God, and engrossed in earthly things, makes them into gods. ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 8 the origin of.htm

Victory Over the World through Faith
... When a man has overcome the world his thoughts are no longer engrossed
and swallowed up with worldly things. A man certainly does ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xxii victory over the world.htm

Oh, How He Loves!
... We waste far too much of our time upon trifles, it would be well if the love of
Jesus so engrossed our thoughts that it engrossed our conversation too. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 56 1910/oh how he loves.htm

Whether the Will is Moved, of Necessity, by the Lower Appetite?
... Sometimes, however, the reason is not entirely engrossed by the passion, so that
the judgment of reason retains, to a certain extent, its freedom: and thus the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the will is moved 9.htm

The Holy Women at the Sepulchre.
... would have to be done about the large stone at the door, as to who would be the
best person to ask about removing it, for they had been so engrossed by grief ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter lxiv the holy women.htm

Christ Cleansing the Temple
... So engrossed, and, as we should say, necessarily engrossed"or, at all events,
legitimately engrossed"are we in the pursuits of our daily commerce, that we ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/christ cleansing the temple.htm

Letter ccxx. (AD 427. )
... [I beseech you, then, to call to remembrance that conversation], for I do not think
that the worldly cares with which you are now engrossed can have such power ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter ccxx a d 427.htm

Concerning the Ministry.
... in some things in their understauding, and perhaps burdened with the superstitions
and formality of the several sects in which they are engrossed, yet being ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm

Select Works and Letters or Athanasius
... Section 8. The origin of idolatry is similar. The soul, materialised by forgetting
God, and engrossed in earthly things, makes them into gods. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
... see no farther. The heart also, engrossed with avarice, ambition, and lust,
is weighed down and cannot rise above them. In short ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter iv of meditating on.htm

Engrossed (1 Occurrence)
... (imp. & pp) of Engross. Multi-Version Concordance Engrossed (1 Occurrence). 1
Corinthians 7:31 and those who use the world, as not using it to the fullest. ...
/e/engrossed.htm - 6k

Engravings (11 Occurrences)

/e/engravings.htm - 10k

Zacchaeus (3 Occurrences)
... Yet his mind was not entirely engrossed by material considerations, for he joined
the throng which gathered to see Jesus on His entrance into the city. ...
/z/zacchaeus.htm - 10k

Free (454 Occurrences)
... 14. (superl.) Thrown open, or made accessible, to all; to be enjoyed without
limitations; unrestricted; not obstructed, engrossed, or appropriated; open ...
/f/free.htm - 38k

Retribution (14 Occurrences)
... certainly well that we should let the grace of the gospel have full influence upon
all our thinking, but we must beware of being too fully engrossed with one ...
/r/retribution.htm - 29k

Engulf (5 Occurrences)

/e/engulf.htm - 7k

Eunuch (20 Occurrences)
... They voluntarily forego marriage even, undertake virtual "eunuchism" because they
are completely immersed in and engrossed by "the kingdom of heaven" (compare ...
/e/eunuch.htm - 22k

Captivity (141 Occurrences)
... To the desponding captives who were engrossed with thoughts of the kingdom of Judah,
not yet dissolved, and of the Holy City, not yet burned up with fire ...
/c/captivity.htm - 79k

Engrossed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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